Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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147. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18739/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 (No. 1 of 2022), established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.The Act was signed into law on 4 March, paving the way for a payment of €176.22 (€200 inclusive of VAT) to be credited to all domestic electricity accounts. This is almost a doubling of what was originally envisaged, in recognition of pressures on households due to increases in the cost of living. The credit will appear on electricity bills as they are issued in April and May.

The scheme applies to all domestic accounts and includes pre-pay customers. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

The credit will be applied automatically and there is no need to apply for it.

The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie. at: .